Steering wheel assembly

Abstract

A steering wheel assembly is disclosed. A steering wheel assembly of the present disclosure may include: a frame; a housing extending in a direction intersecting the frame; an arm part which is adjacent to the tail end of the housing and extends along a direction intersecting with the housing; and a steering wheel coupled to a distal end of the arm portion, the arm portion being foldably coupled to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a steering wheel assembly. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle is a device that moves by the operation of a driver. In recent years, research and development related to autonomous vehicles that can drive themselves without driver intervention has been booming. In line with this trend, extensive research is being conducted on technologies that can not only provide driving convenience for vehicle occupants but also offer diverse experiences such as in-car entertainment.

[0003] Because the existing steering wheel occupies the space in front of the driver, the movement of occupants, including the driver, inside the vehicle is restricted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to resolve the aforementioned problems, as well as other issues.

[0006] Another objective is to provide a structure that can hide the steering wheel from the sight of the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0007] Another objective is to provide a structure that can electrically conceal the steering wheel assembly or provide it to the driver.

[0008] Another objective is to provide a structure that minimizes the storage space required for the steering wheel assembly.

[0009] Another objective is to provide a structure that improves the ease of steering wheel operation for the driver.

[0010] means of solving technical problems

[0011] A steering wheel assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the other objective described above may include: a frame; a housing extending in a direction intersecting the frame; an arm extending in a direction intersecting the housing and adjacent to the end of the housing; and a steering wheel coupled to the end of the arm, the arm being coupled to the housing in a foldable manner.

[0012] The vehicle may include: the aforementioned steering wheel assembly; and a plurality of wheels mounted on the aforementioned frame of the steering wheel assembly.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The effects of the steering wheel assembly according to this disclosure are explained below.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that can hide the steering wheel out of the sight of vehicle occupants.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure is provided that can electrically conceal the steering wheel assembly or provide it to the driver.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure that minimizes the storage space of the steering wheel assembly can be provided.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure that can improve the ease of steering wheel operation for the driver can be provided.

[0019] The following detailed description will clearly demonstrate that other aspects of this disclosure may apply. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand the spirit and various variations and modifications within the scope of this disclosure; therefore, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments, should be understood as examples. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figures 1 to 26 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a steering wheel assembly according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or similar constituent elements will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0022] The suffixes “module” and “section” used in the following description are for convenience in writing this specification and do not have any particularly important meaning or function in themselves.

[0023] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related well-known technologies are omitted when it is determined that such descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for aiding understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope of the ideas and techniques contained in this disclosure.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., which include ordinal numbers, can be used to describe various constituent elements, but multiple constituent elements are not limited to multiple terms. Multiple terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0025] When a constituent element is described as being "connected" or "joined" with other constituent elements, it can be directly connected or joined to the other constituent elements, but it should also be understood that other constituent elements may exist in between. Conversely, when a constituent element is described as being "directly connected" or "directly joined" with other constituent elements, it should be understood that no other constituent elements exist in between.

[0026] The singular can include the plural unless there is a clearly different meaning in the context.

[0027] In this application, the terms "comprising" or "having," etc., are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, actions, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0028] The directions shown in the accompanying drawings—up (U, y), down (D), left (Le, x), right (Ri), front (F, z), and back (R)—are for illustrative purposes only, and the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited to these.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 Vehicle 1 can use gasoline, diesel, natural gas, electricity, or hydrogen as fuel. Vehicle 1 can operate autonomously.

[0030] The frame FL forms the floor of vehicle 1. The body BD, which constitutes the roof and side panels of vehicle 1, can be assembled to the frame FL or formed integrally with the frame FL (one body). The frame FL can be referred to as the floor FL.

[0031] The chassis can be assembled onto the frame FL. The chassis may include a power unit such as an engine powered by fossil fuels or a motor powered by electricity, a power train system, a suspension system, a steering system such as a steering wheel 100, a braking system, and multiple wheels (FW, RW). The multiple wheels (FW, RW) may include tires.

[0032] For example, a pair of front wheels (FW) can be mounted adjacent to the front end of the frame (FL) on the left and right sides of the frame. Similarly, a pair of rear wheels (RW) can be mounted adjacent to the rear end of the frame (FL) on the left and right sides of the frame.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 The central frame CF can be located on the frame FL. The central frame CF can extend longitudinally from the center of the frame FL in the front-to-back direction. One or both ends of the central frame CF can be fixed to the frame FL, and the portion between the two ends of the central frame CF can be separated from the frame FL. The central frame CF can include a fixing part CF1 and a supporting part CF3.

[0034] The support portion CF3 can extend elongated in the front-to-back direction and can split upwards from the frame FL. The support portion CF3 can be referred to as a tie rod CF3 (bar). The fixing portion CF1 can be formed at one or both ends of the support portion CF3.

[0035] The fixing part CF1 can intersect with the frame FL and can be fixed to the frame FL. The fixing part CF1 can be bent from the front end and / or rear end of the support part CF3 towards the frame FL and can be fixed to the frame FL. The angle between the fixing part CF1 and the support part CF3 can be a right angle or an obtuse angle. The fixing part CF1 can be referred to as the column CF1.

[0036] The seat S can be attached to the support CF3 of the central frame CF via connecting members 20 and 30. The seat S may include a cushion Sa, a backrest Sb, a headrest Sc, an armrest Sd, and a leg rest Se.

[0037] The number of seats S can be more than one. For example, the first seat S1 and the second seat S2 can be adjacent to the front end of the support CF3 on the left and right sides of the support CF3, and the third seat S3 and the fourth seat S4 can be adjacent to the rear end of the support CF3 on the left and right sides of the support CF3. The first seat S1 and the second seat S2 can be referred to as the first row seats S1 and S2 or front seats. The first seat S1 can be referred to as the driver's seat, and the second seat S2 can be referred to as the passenger seat. The third seat S3 and the fourth seat S4 can be referred to as the second row seats S3 and S4 or rear seats.

[0038] The driver can sit in the driver's seat S1 and drive the vehicle 1 via the steering wheel 100 (see reference). Figure 1 The steering wheel 100 can be mounted on the bracket 10 attached to the center frame CF and can be separated from the base plate FL rearward.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The steering wheel 100 can be mounted on the front part CF10 of the fixed part CF1. The cover 10C1 of the cover assembly 10C can cover the front part CF10 and the steering wheel 100 or expose them to the outside.

[0040] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The cover 10C1 of the cover assembly 10C can be located on the base CF20 of the central frame CF. The base CF20 can form the lower end of the fixing part CF1 and can be attached to the frame FL (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0041] The connecting rod 10C2 can be adjacent to the upper side of the cover 10C1 and extend from the rear end of the cover 10C1 toward the support portion CF3 of the central frame CF. The connecting rod 10C2 can be inserted into the support portion CF3 and can move with the support portion CF3.

[0042] The first fastener 10C3 may be adjacent to the left side of the cover 10C1 and protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover 10C1. The first guide rail 10R1 may be fixed to the base CF20 and may extend longitudinally in the front-rear direction. The first fastener 10C3 may be movably coupled to the first guide rail 10R1.

[0043] The second fastener 10C4 may be adjacent to the right side of the cover 10C1 and protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover 10C1. The second guide rail 10R2 may be fixed to the base CF20 and may extend longitudinally in the front-rear direction. The second fastener 10C4 may be movably coupled to the second guide rail 10R2.

[0044] The rack 10C5 can be formed at the bottom of the cover 10C1 and can extend longitudinally in the front-back direction. The bottom groove 10Cg can be formed at the bottom of the cover 10C1, and the rack 10C5 can be formed in the bottom groove 10Cg.

[0045] Motor M10 can be mounted on base CF20. Motor M10 can be an electric motor with adjustable rotation direction, speed, and angle of rotation of the rotating shaft. Pinion M11 can be fixed to the rotating shaft of motor M10 and can mesh with rack 10C5.

[0046] Thus, when the motor M10 is running, the cover 10C1 can move back and forth on the base CF20, either covering the front part CF10 and the steering wheel 100 or exposing them to the outside.

[0047] First limit switch LS1 (refer to) Figure 7 It can be installed at the front end of the support CF3 of the central frame CF. The first limit switch LS1 can sense the contact of the rear end of the cover 10C1 when it moves backward. The second limit switch LS2 (refer to...) Figure 6It can be installed on the base CF20. The second limit switch LS2 can sense the contact of the partial 10C6 of the cover 10C1 when it moves forward.

[0048] Therefore, when cover 10C1 abuts against the first limit switch LS1, the control unit can stop the rearward movement of cover 10C1. Furthermore, when part 10C6 abuts against the second limit switch LS2, the control unit can stop the forward movement of cover 10C1.

[0049] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The folding bracket 10 can be located in the first groove CF11 formed in the front portion CF10 of the central frame CF. The first groove CF11 can be formed through the front portion CF10 in the length direction. The folding bracket 10 can move bidirectionally along the first groove CF11. The folding bracket 10 can be referred to as folding module 10, bracket 10, or support member 10.

[0050] The steering wheel 100 may be located in a second recess CF12 formed in the front portion CF10 of the center frame CF. The second recess CF12 may be adjacent to the first recess CF11 and may open to the left side of the front portion CF10. A bracket CF13 may be formed in the second recess CF12 and may hold the steering wheel 100. For example, the first rim 101 of the steering wheel 100 may be engaged with the bracket CF13.

[0051] The steering wheel assembly described above and below may include a folding bracket 10 and a steering wheel 100.

[0052] Reference Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The central frame CF can have an H-beam shape. The central frame CF may include an upper flange CFa, a lower flange CFb, and a web CFc. The web CFc may be a thin plate extending along the length of the central frame CF. The upper flange CFa extends from the upper side of the web CFc in a direction intersecting the web CFc, forming the upper surface of the central frame CF. The lower flange CFb extends from the lower side of the web CFc in a direction intersecting the web CFc, forming the lower surface of the central frame CF. The upper flange CFa, lower flange CFb, and web CFc can form the aforementioned support portion CF3 and fixing portion CF1.

[0053] The folding bracket 10 can be a linear actuator or a linear translation stage. The folding bracket 10 may include a housing 11, a motor 11M, a lead screw 11L, a slider 11S, a guide rail 11R, and a joint 11C.

[0054] Motor 11M can be mounted on the upper flange CFa of the fixing part CF1. Motor 11M can be an electric motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation angle of the rotating shaft. Lead screw 11L can be fixed to the rotating shaft of motor 11M and can extend along the length of the fixing part CF1. External thread can be formed on the outer surface of lead screw 11L.

[0055] For example, slider 11S' (refer to) Figure 10 The slider 11S' can protrude from the housing 11 and may have a flange shape. Alternatively, the slider 11S' may also be attached to the housing 11. The lead screw 11L may pass through the slider 11S'. An internal thread may be formed on the inner surface of the hole through which the lead screw 11L passes through the slider 11S', and may engage with the external thread of the lead screw 11L.

[0056] As another example, slider 11S (see reference) Figure 11 The slider 11S can protrude from the housing 11 and can have a block shape. Alternatively, the slider 11S can also be attached to the housing 11. The lead screw 11L can pass through the slider 11S. An internal thread can be formed on the inner surface of the hole through which the lead screw 11L passes through the slider 11S, and can engage with the external thread of the lead screw 11L.

[0057] The guide rail 11R can be located between the housing 11 and the fixing part CF1, and can be fixed to the upper flange CFa. The guide rail 11R can extend along the upper flange CFa. The connecting part 11C can be formed in the housing 11 and can be connected to the guide rail 11R in a movable manner. For example, a pair of connecting parts 11Ca, 11Cb can be separated from each other along the guide rail 11R. The rotation of the housing 11 and the sliders 11S', 11S can be restricted by the connecting part 11C connected to the guide rail 11R.

[0058] Therefore, when the motor 11M rotates the lead screw 11L in the first rotation direction, the sliders 11S' and 11S and the housing 11 can move upward along the lead screw 11L. When the motor 11M rotates the lead screw 11L in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction, i.e., the second rotation direction, the sliders 11S' and 11S and the housing 11 can move downward along the lead screw 11L. The movement of the sliders 11S' and 11S and the housing 11 can be restricted when the sliders 11S' and 11S contact the first limiter 11Ta or the second limiter 11Tb. The first limiter 11Ta can be fixed adjacent to the upper end of the upper flange CFa. The second limiter 11Tb can be fixed adjacent to the lower end of the upper flange CFa.

[0059] Refer again Figure 8 as well as Figure 9The arms 12 and 13 of the folding bracket 10 can be inserted into the housing 11 and can move together with the housing 11 along the first groove CF11. The maximum moving distance D10 of the housing 11 can be the distance between the lower stop point y1 and the upper stop point y2 of the folding bracket 10.

[0060] The first state of the folding bracket 10 (see reference) Figure 8 The local portion can be accessed through the holes FLa in the frame FL (see reference). Figure 15 Insert it into the frame FL. At this time, the steering wheel 100 installed in the second groove CF12 can be located on the first arm 12 of the arm 12, 13.

[0061] The second state of the folding bracket 10 (refer to) Figure 9 The steering wheel 100, which is mounted in the second recess CF12, can be exposed to the outside of the frame FL through the first recess CF11. At this time, the steering wheel 100 can be located on the second arm 13 of the arms 12 and 13.

[0062] Even if the folding bracket 10 moves from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state, the steering wheel 100 may remain stationary.

[0063] Reference Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 The first arm 12 may have an elongated bar, box, or cylinder shape. A first guide groove 12S may be formed on one side of the first arm 12, extending elongated along its length. The second arm 13 may have a shorter bar or box shape than the first arm 12 and may be attached to the end of the first arm 12. A second guide groove 13S may be formed on one side of the second arm 13, extending elongated along its length. The first and second guide grooves 12S and 13S may be connected in a row.

[0064] The steering wheel 100 may include a connecting portion 109 facing one side of the arm portions 12 and 13 and inserted into a first guide groove 12S.

[0065] The guide shaft 14 can extend along the length direction of the first guide groove and the second guide grooves 12S and 13S, and can be located inside the first arm portion and the second arm portion 12 and 13. The guide shaft 14 is coupled to the coupling portion 109 of the steering wheel 100 in a manner that allows it to move along the length direction of the guide shaft 14.

[0066] Therefore, corresponding to the movement of the housing 11 and the arms 12, 13, the engagement portion 109 of the steering wheel 100 mounted in the second recess CF12 can move relative to each other in the direction from one end of the plurality of guide grooves 12S, 13S toward the other end (see reference). Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 At this point, the steering wheel 100 can slide relative to the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13. For example, an angle of about 6 degrees can be formed near the boundary between the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13, so that the steering wheel 100 can smoothly pass near the boundary between the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13.

[0067] The first magnet 109M can be mounted on the side of the connecting portion 109 facing the second arm portion 13. The second magnet 13M can be mounted adjacent to the end of the second arm portion 13. The polarity of the first magnet 109M can be opposite to that of the second magnet 13M. Alternatively, either the first magnet 109M or the second magnet 13M can be replaced by an iron plate. The first magnet 109M of the steering wheel 100 on the second arm portion 13 can be magnetically coupled to the second magnet 13M, resulting in the steering wheel 100 being coupled to the second arm portion 13.

[0068] Reference Figure 14 The support member 10S can be located between the housing 11 and the first arm 12. The first arm 12 can open toward the housing 11, and the support member 10S can be inserted into the opening 12g of the first arm 12. One end 10Sa of the support member 10S can be pivotally connected to the housing 11, and the other end 10Sb of the support member 10S can be adjacent to one end of the first arm 12 and pivotally connected to the first arm 12. The aforementioned end of the first arm 12 can be adjacent to the upper end of the housing 11. The length Ls of the support member 10S is variable.

[0069] For example, the support member 10S can have the structure of a typical linear actuator. Specifically, the motor of the support member 10S can be an electric motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation angle. The lead screw can be connected to the rotation shaft of the motor and can extend relatively long along the length direction of the support member 10S. The slider can engage with the thread formed on the outer surface of the lead screw and can move with the lead screw. The housing of the support member 10S can have the slider, which can shape the appearance of the support member 10S and can be lengthened or shortened in the length direction of the support member 10S. That is, when the motor is running, multiple ends of the housing are exposed, thereby lengthening the housing, or the multiple ends are hidden, thereby shortening the housing.

[0070] Therefore, as the length Ls of the support member 10S increases, the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13 can open from the housing 11. The support member 10S can support the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13 that open from the housing 11. For example, the angle between the housing 11 and the first arm and the second arm 12 and 13 can be a right angle or an approximately right angle. As the length Ls of the support member 10S decreases, the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13 can fold towards the housing 11, and the support member 10S can be housed within the opening 12g of the first arm 12.

[0071] Reference Figure 15 Cable C enables the electrical connection between the steering wheel 100 and the in-vehicle devices. These in-vehicle devices can be referred to as electronic devices. The steering wheel 100 can transmit and receive data or signals, or receive power, via cable C. Cable C can be a multi-strand wire harness. For example, the in-vehicle devices can be located in the trunk FK of vehicle 1. Trunk FK is a portmanteau of front and trunk.

[0072] One end Ci of cable C can be connected to the steering wheel 100, and the other end of cable C can be connected to the aforementioned in-vehicle device. A portion of cable C can pass through a hole FLa formed in the frame FL. A portion between the two ends of cable C can be disposed in the housing 11 and multiple arms 12, 13 of the folding bracket 10, and another portion can be disposed below the frame FL. Cable C may include a first portion C1 between one end Ci of cable C and the second pulley Pb (described later), a second portion C2 between the second pulley Pb and the first pulley Pa, a third portion C3 between the first pulley Pa and the tensioning pulley Rc, and a fourth portion C4 between the tensioning pulley Rc and the other end Ce of cable C.

[0073] The first pulley Pa can be installed adjacent to the hole Fla in the frame FL or the fixing part CF1 (see reference). Figure 11 The cable C section between the third part C3 and the second part C2 can be hung on the first pulley Pa.

[0074] The second pulley Pb can be installed on the housing 11 or the arms 12, 13 adjacent to the upper end of the housing 11 (i.e. adjacent to the rotation center axis of the arms 12, 13 relative to the housing 11), and the cable C section between the second part C2 and the first part C1 can be hung on the second pulley Pb.

[0075] The tension pulley Rc can be located between the first pulley Pa and the other end Ce of the cable C. The tension pulley Rc can be mounted below the frame FL. The cable C can be connected to or wound around the tension pulley Rc, which pulls the cable C from one end Ci towards the other end Ce. The tension pulley Rc can be a constant torque [force] spring. The tension pulley Rc can be referred to as a spring Rc, pulley Rc, or roller Rc.

[0076] Corresponding to the rise of the folding bracket 10 (according to) Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 (Refer to the order), cable C can be pulled towards one end Ci of cable C. At this time, cable C is bent 180 degrees because the second pulley Pb is bent, and the steering wheel 100 is clamped in the bracket CF13, so the length of cable C pulled can be equivalent to twice the moving distance D10 of the folding bracket 10.

[0077] Corresponding to the descent of the folding bracket 10 (according to) Figure 9 as well as Figure 8 Following the sequence (referring to the previous steps), the cable C can be pulled towards the other end Ce of the cable C via the tensioning wheel Rc. Thus, within the folding bracket 10, the cable C can remain taut and will not become tangled. Furthermore, it minimizes the space required for cable C within the folding bracket 10.

[0078] Reference Figures 16 to 18 The first arm portion 12 may include a first section 12P and a second section 12Q. The second section 12Q may form the end of the first arm portion 12 and may have a smaller diameter than the first section 12P. The first section 12P may be referred to as the arm body 12P, and the second section 12Q may be referred to as the fixing portion 12Q.

[0079] The first guide plate 16a can be inserted into the second interval 12Q through a first hole 12Qa adjacent to one end of the second interval 12Q, and can be fixed to the second interval 12Q. The first guide plate 16a can be circular plate shaped. The first guide groove 16aa can be formed on the first guide plate 16a and can be arc shaped. The second guide groove 16ab can be formed on the first guide plate 16a and can be arc shaped. The first guide groove and the second guide grooves 16aa and 16ab can be adjacent to the edge of the first guide plate 16a and can be separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the first guide plate 16a.

[0080] The second guide plate 16b is inserted into the second interval 12Q through a second hole 12Qb adjacent to the other end of the second interval 12Q, and can be fixed to the second interval 12Q. The second guide plate 16b can be in the shape of a circular plate. The first guide groove 16ba can be formed on the second guide plate 16b and can be in the shape of an arc. The second guide groove 16bb can be formed on the second guide plate 16b and can be in the shape of an arc. The first guide groove and the second guide grooves 16ba and 16bb can be adjacent to the edge of the second guide plate 16b and can be separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the second guide plate 16b.

[0081] The first guide groove and the second guide grooves 16aa and 16ab of the first guide plate 16a and the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves 16ba and 16bb of the second guide plate 16b may have the same shape and may be aligned with each other. The first guide plate and the second guide plate 16a and 16b may have the same shape.

[0082] The guide shaft 14 can pass through the first guide groove 16aa of the first guide plate 16a and the first guide groove 16ba of the second guide plate 16b. A reinforcing rib 12a can be formed on the inner surface of the first arm portion 12, providing a gap 12as. One end of the guide shaft 14 is movably inserted into the cover gap 12as (see reference). Figure 12 The gap 12as can have the same curvature Ras as the first guide grooves 16aa and 16ba (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0083] Motor 15 can be installed inside the first section 12P and can be adjacent to the second section 12Q. Motor 15 can be an electric motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation angle of the rotating shaft.

[0084] The rotating shaft 17 can be located inside the second section 12Q and can extend along the length of the second section 12Q. The rotating shaft 17 can be fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 15. For example, one end of the rotating shaft 17 can pass through the first guide plate 16a and then be fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 15. The first gear 17a can be fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 17, and the second gear 17b can be fixed to the other end of the rotating shaft 17.

[0085] The second arm 13 can enclose the second section 12Q and can be rotatably coupled to the second section 12Q. The hollow space of the second arm 13 can be holes 13ha and 13hb formed through both ends of the second arm 13. The first rack 13a and the second rack 13b can be formed on the inner surface of the second arm 13. The first rack 13a can be located in the first hole 12Qa of the second section 12Q and can mesh with the first gear 17a. The first pin 13ap can protrude from the first rack 13a into the second guide groove 16ab of the first guide plate 16a. The second rack 13b can be located in the second hole 12Qb of the second section 12Q and can mesh with the second gear 17b. The second pin 13bp can protrude from the second rack 13b into the second guide groove 16bb of the second guide plate 16b.

[0086] Corresponding to the operation of the motor 15, when the rotating shaft 17 rotates in the first rotation direction, the first gear and the second gears 17a and 17b of the rotating shaft 17 can cause the first rack and the second racks 13a and 13b and the second arm portion 13 to rotate in the first rotation direction RD1. At this time, the steering wheel 100, which is coupled to the second arm portion 13, can also rotate in the first rotation direction RD1, and the guide shaft 14, which is coupled to the steering wheel 100 coupling portion 109, can move along the first guide grooves 16aa and 16ba. In addition, the first pin and the second pins 13ap and 13bp can also move along the second guide grooves 16ab and 16bb. The multiple guide grooves 16aa, 16ba, 16ab, and 16bb contact the guide shaft 14 and the multiple pins 13ap and 13bp, thereby restricting their movement.

[0087] Corresponding to the operation of motor 15, when rotating shaft 17 rotates in the second rotation direction, the first gear and second gears 17a and 17b of rotating shaft 17 can cause the first rack and second racks 13a and 13b and the second arm portion 13 to rotate in the opposite direction of the first rotation direction RD1, i.e., the second rotation direction RD2. At this time, steering wheel 100, which is coupled to the second arm portion 13, can also rotate in the second rotation direction RD2, and guide shaft 14, which is coupled to the steering wheel 100 coupling portion 109, can move along the first guide grooves 16aa and 16ba. In addition, first pin and second pin 13ap and 13bp can also move along the second guide grooves 16ab and 16bb. The multiple guide grooves 16aa, 16ba, 16ab, and 16bb contact the guide shaft 14 and the multiple pins 13ap and 13bp, thereby restricting their movement.

[0088] Reference Figure 14 as well as Figure 19The second arm 13 and the steering wheel 100 can rotate clockwise by a certain angle (e.g., 45 degrees). Thus, the steering wheel 100 can face the driver sitting in the driver's seat S1, and the driver can drive the vehicle 1 by steering the steering wheel 100.

[0089] On the other hand, after the second arm 13 and the steering wheel 100 are rotated counterclockwise by a certain angle (e.g., 45 degrees), the first arm and the second arms 12 and 13 can be folded into the housing 11 (according to...). Figure 19 , Figure 14 as well as Figure 9 (Refer to the attached diagram for the sequence). Next, after a portion of the folding bracket 10 is inserted into the frame FL, the cover 10C1 can cover the folding bracket 10 and the steering wheel 100 (refer to...). Figure 9 , Figure 8 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 3 (Refer to the attached diagram for the order). In this configuration, the steering wheel 100 can disappear from the view of (multiple) occupants, allowing for more diverse activities within the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 can achieve autonomous driving.

[0090] The steering wheel assembly operations described in the preceding paragraphs can be performed automatically when the occupant rotates the steering wheel from the vehicle system to a hidden mode (or automatic mode). When the occupant selects a visible mode (or manual mode), the operations can be performed automatically in the opposite direction to those described above.

[0091] Reference Figure 20 The steering wheel 100 may include a housing 100H, a first rim 101, a second rim 102, and a rotation module 103. The steering wheel 100 may be referred to as a yoke steering wheel 100.

[0092] The housing 100H can be box-shaped. The first wheel rim 101 and the second wheel rim 102 can face each other with respect to the housing 100H. The steering wheel 100 can be butterfly-shaped.

[0093] The rotation module 103 can be installed inside the housing 100H. The rotation module 103 may include a first rotating shaft 103a, a second rotating shaft 103b, a motor 103c, a first gear 103d, and a second gear 103e.

[0094] The first rotating shaft 103a can extend longitudinally within the housing 100H, with both ends of the first rotating shaft 103a penetrating through the housing 100H. One end 101a of the first wheel rim 101 can be fixed to one end of the first rotating shaft 103a, and the other end 101b of the first wheel rim 101 can be fixed to the other end of the first rotating shaft 103a. The portion between the two ends 101a and 101b of the first wheel rim 101 separates from the left side of the housing 100H, thereby forming a first space 101S. For example, the driver's left-hand fingers gripping the first wheel rim 101 can be located in the first space 101S.

[0095] The second rotating shaft 103b can extend longitudinally within the housing 100H, and both ends of the second rotating shaft 103b can penetrate through the housing 100H. One end 102a of the second wheel rim 102 can be fixed to one end of the second rotating shaft 103b, and the other end 102b of the second wheel rim 102 can be fixed to the other end of the second rotating shaft 103b. The portion between the two ends 102a and 102b of the second wheel rim 102 separates from the right side of the housing 100H, thereby forming a second space 102S. For example, the driver's right-hand fingers gripping the second wheel rim 102 can be located in the second space 102S.

[0096] Motor 103c can be installed inside housing 100H. Motor 103c can be an electric motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation angle of the rotating shaft.

[0097] The first gear 103d can be fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 103c. The rotating shaft of the first gear 103d can be parallel to the length direction of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shafts 103a and 103b. The teeth 103at of the first gear can be formed on the outer surface of the first rotating shaft 103a and can mesh with the first gear 103d.

[0098] The second gear 103e can be positioned relative to the first gear 103d and its teeth 103at can be opposite to the first gear 103d, and can mesh with the first gear 103d. The teeth 103bt of the second gear can be formed on the outer surface of the second rotating shaft 103b, and can mesh with the second gear 103e.

[0099] Therefore, when the motor 103c is running, the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shafts 103a and 103b can rotate in opposite directions, resulting in the first rim and the second rims 101 and 102 being able to close or open.

[0100] Reference Figure 21 as well as Figure 22The first wheel rim 101 can rotate counterclockwise by a certain angle (e.g., 15 degrees), and the second wheel rim 102 can rotate clockwise by a certain angle (e.g., 15 degrees). Therefore, the angle θ100 between the first wheel rim 101 and the second wheel rim 102 can be reduced, improving the ease of steering wheel operation for the driver who grips the first wheel rim and the second wheel rims 101 and 102.

[0101] The first limiter 100Ha can be attached to the front end of the housing 100H. The rotation of the first rim and the second rim 101 and 102, which reduce the angle between the first rim and the second rim 101 and 102, is restricted when the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum 101i and 102i are disturbed by the first limiter 100Ha.

[0102] The second limiter 100Hb can be attached to the rear end of the housing 100H. The rotation of the first rim and the second rim 101 and 102, which widen the angle between the first rim and the second rim 101 and 102, is limited when the third fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum 101e and 102e are interfered with by the second limiter 100Hb.

[0103] Reference Figure 23 as well as Figure 24 The steering wheel 100 may include a cover 108, a fixing plate 107, multiple elastic components 106a and 106b, a rotating plate 105, and multiple dampers 104a and 104b.

[0104] Cover 108 can be formed facing the steering wheel 100 of the second arm 13, and can be opposite to the housing 100H (see reference). Figure 17 The joint 109 can be fixed to the cover 108 (see reference). Figure 17 ).

[0105] The fixing plate 107 can be located in the hole 108a of the cover 108 and can be fixed to the fixing plate 107. The hole 108a can be a circular hole, and the fixing plate 107 can have a disc or annular shape.

[0106] The first elastic member 106a may include a first interval 106aa, a second interval 106ab, and a third interval 106ac. The third interval 106ac may be wound around a pin 107a formed on the fixing plate 107. The first interval 106aa may extend from one end of the third interval 106ac, forming one end of the first elastic member 106a. The second interval 106ab may extend from the other end of the third interval 106ac in a direction intersecting with the first interval 106aa, forming the other end of the first elastic member 106a. The first interval 106aa may be engaged with a first protrusion 107ca formed on the fixing plate 107. The first elastic member 106a may be a torsion spring.

[0107] The second elastic member 106b may include a first section 106ba, a second section 106bb, and a third section 106bc. The third section 106bc may be wound around the second pin 107b formed on the fixing plate 107. The first section 106ba may extend from one end of the third section 106bc, forming one end of the second elastic member 106b. The second section 106bb may extend from the other end of the third section 106bc in a direction intersecting with the first section 106ba, forming the other end of the second elastic member 106b. The first section 106ba may be engaged with the second protrusion 107b formed on the fixing plate 107. The second elastic member 106b may be a torsion spring.

[0108] The rotating plate 105 can be located between the fixed plate 107 and the housing 100H. The rotating plate 105 can be fixed to the housing 100H and can be rotatably coupled to the fixed plate 107. The rotating plate 105 can have an annular shape and can be located on the fixed plate 107. An inner ring 107P can be formed on the fixed plate 107, and an outer ring 107Q can be located between the inner ring 107P and the rotating plate 105.

[0109] The first reinforcing rib 105a can be formed on one side of the rotating plate 105 facing the housing 100H, and can have an arc shape. In the circumferential direction (i.e., the direction of rotation) of the rotating plate 105, the second section 106ab of the first elastic member 106a can be located on the movement trajectory of the first reinforcing rib 105a.

[0110] The second reinforcing rib 105b can be formed on one side of the rotating plate 105 facing the housing 100H, and can have an arc shape. In the circumferential direction (i.e., the rotation direction) of the rotating plate 105, the second section 106bb of the second elastic member 106b can be located on the movement trajectory of the second reinforcing rib 105b.

[0111] The first damper 104a may have a damping function. The first damper 104a may be installed on the cover 108 and / or the fixing plate 107, and may correspond to the first reinforcing rib 105a.

[0112] The second damper 104b may have a damping function. The second damper 104b may be installed on the cover 108 and / or the fixing plate 107, and may correspond to the second reinforcing rib 105b.

[0113] Reference Figure 25The driver can rotate the steering wheel 100 clockwise. At this time, the rotating plate 105 of the steering wheel 100 can rotate clockwise, and the first reinforcing rib 105a can push out the second section 106ab of the first elastic member 106a, resulting in elastic deformation of the first elastic member 106a. Additionally, the second damper 104b can abut against the second reinforcing rib 105b.

[0114] Therefore, when the driver releases the steering wheel 100, the steering wheel 100 can rotate counterclockwise and return to its initial state due to the restoring force of the first elastic member 106a. At this time, the second damper 104b, which abuts against the second reinforcing rib 105b of the rotating plate 105, can slow down the return speed of the steering wheel 100.

[0115] Reference Figure 26 The driver can rotate the steering wheel 100 counterclockwise. At this time, the rotating plate 105 of the steering wheel 100 can rotate counterclockwise, and the second reinforcing rib 105b can push out the second section 106bb of the second elastic member 106b, resulting in elastic deformation of the second elastic member 106b. Additionally, the first damper 104a can abut against the first reinforcing rib 105a.

[0116] Therefore, when the driver releases the steering wheel 100, the steering wheel 100 can rotate clockwise and return to its initial state due to the restoring force of the second elastic member 106b. At this time, the first damper 104a, which abuts against the first reinforcing rib 105a of the rotating plate 105, can slow down the return speed of the steering wheel 100.

[0117] Reference Figures 1 to 26 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a steering wheel assembly includes: a frame; a housing extending in a direction intersecting the frame; an arm extending in a direction intersecting the housing and adjacent to the end of the housing; and a steering wheel coupled to the end of the arm, the arm being coupled to the housing in a foldable manner.

[0118] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a support member located between the housing and the arm portion, extending in a direction intersecting the housing and the arm portion, one end of the support member being pivotally connected to the housing, and the other end of the support member being pivotally connected to the arm portion.

[0119] The aforementioned support member can be a linear actuator. When the aforementioned arm intersects with the aforementioned housing, the aforementioned support member can have a first length. When the aforementioned arm is parallel to the aforementioned housing, the aforementioned support member can have a second length that is shorter than the aforementioned first length.

[0120] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a fixing part that extends from the frame along the length of the housing, the housing being able to be coupled to the fixing part so as to be able to move with the fixing part.

[0121] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a motor mounted on the above-described fixed portion; a lead screw extending along the length direction of the above-described fixed portion and fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor; and a slider coupled to the lead screw in a manner movable along the length direction of the lead screw, the slider being formed in the above-described housing or fixed to the above-described housing.

[0122] When the arm is folded toward the housing side and placed alongside the housing, the steering wheel is detachably attached to the fixing part. With the steering wheel fixed to the fixing part, the arm can move together with the fixing part and the housing.

[0123] The steering wheel may include a connecting portion that protrudes from the steering wheel toward the arm portion, and the arm portion may include a guide groove that is formed along the length of the arm portion, and the connecting portion is movably inserted into the guide groove.

[0124] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the steering wheel, and a portion of which is located in the housing and the arm; a first pulley adjacent to the frame; a second pulley adjacent to the end of the housing; and a tensioning pulley located between the first pulley and the other end of the cable, wherein the cable is located between the first and the other end of the cable and can be locked in place by the tensioning pulley, the first pulley, and the second pulley, and the tensioning pulley can pull the cable from the first end of the cable toward the other end.

[0125] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a folding bracket having the aforementioned housing and the aforementioned arm; and a cover that is movable to the aforementioned fixing portion in a direction approaching or away from the aforementioned fixing portion, the cover covering the steering wheel and the aforementioned folding bracket attached to the aforementioned fixing portion or exposing the steering wheel and the aforementioned folding bracket to the outside.

[0126] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a motor mounted on the above-described fixed part; a pinion fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor; and a rack formed at the bottom of the cover, extending along the moving direction of the cover, and meshing with the pinion.

[0127] The aforementioned arm may include: a first arm forming a first portion of the aforementioned arm; and a second arm forming a second portion of the aforementioned arm, wherein the steering wheel is coupled to the second arm, and the second arm is coupled to the first arm in a manner rotatable about the length axis of the aforementioned arm.

[0128] According to the above-described steering wheel assembly, it may further include: a motor, which is installed inside the first arm portion and provides power to the second arm portion; a gear, which is located inside the second arm portion and fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor; and a rack, which is formed on the inner surface of the second arm portion and meshes with the gear.

[0129] The steering wheel may include: a housing; a first rim rotatably attached to a first side of the housing; a second rim rotatably attached to a second side of the housing, the second side being opposite to the first side; and a rotation module installed inside the housing, such that the first rim and the second rim rotate in opposite directions.

[0130] The steering wheel may include: a housing; a rim attached to the side of the housing; a mounting plate opposite the housing and fixed to the arm; an elastic member located on the side of the mounting plate facing the housing; a rotating plate between the housing and the mounting plate, fixed to the housing and rotatably attached to the mounting plate; and a damper mounted on the housing. The rotating plate may include: a reinforcing rib formed on the side of the rotating plate facing the housing, which moves closer to or further away from the elastic member as the rotating plate rotates. The damper may contact the reinforcing rib of the rotating plate rotating by the restoring force of the elastic member.

[0131] The vehicle may include: the aforementioned steering wheel assembly; and a plurality of wheels mounted on the aforementioned frame of the aforementioned steering wheel assembly.

[0132] The embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or independent of each other. The structures or functions of any of the embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure described above can be used in combination with each other.

[0133] For example, this means that structure A shown in a particular embodiment and / or the accompanying drawings can be combined with structure B shown in other embodiments and / or the accompanying drawings. That is, even if the combination between structures is not directly described, it means that they can be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that they cannot be combined.

[0134] The detailed description above should not be construed as limiting in any way, but rather as exemplary. The scope of the invention should be determined based on a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly, comprising: frame; The housing extends in a direction intersecting the aforementioned frame; An arm that is adjacent to the end of the aforementioned housing and extends in a direction intersecting the aforementioned housing; as well as The steering wheel is attached to the end of the aforementioned arm. The aforementioned arm is foldable and attached to the aforementioned housing.

2. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A support member, located between the housing and the arm, extends in a direction intersecting the housing and the arm. One end of the aforementioned support member is pivotally connected to the aforementioned housing. The other end of the aforementioned support member is pivotally connected to the aforementioned arm.

3. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned support component is a linear actuator. When the aforementioned arm intersects with the aforementioned housing, the aforementioned support member has a first length. When the arm is parallel to the housing, the support member has a second length that is shorter than the first length.

4. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The fixing part extends from the frame along the length of the housing. The aforementioned housing is attached to the aforementioned fixing part so that it can move along with the aforementioned fixing part.

5. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 4, wherein, Also includes: The motor is mounted on the aforementioned fixed part; A lead screw extends along the length of the aforementioned fixing part and is fixed to the rotating shaft of the aforementioned motor; as well as A slider is attached to the lead screw in a manner that allows it to move along the length of the lead screw. The aforementioned slider is formed in or fixed to the aforementioned housing.

6. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 4, wherein, When the aforementioned arm is folded towards the aforementioned housing side and placed alongside the aforementioned housing, the aforementioned steering wheel is detachably attached to the aforementioned fixing part. With the steering wheel fixed to the fixing part, the arm can move together with the fixing part and the housing.

7. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned steering wheel includes: The joint protrudes from the aforementioned steering wheel toward the aforementioned arm. The aforementioned arm includes: A guide groove is formed along the length of the arm portion, and the connecting portion is inserted into the guide groove in a movable manner.

8. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the aforementioned steering wheel, and a portion of which is located in the aforementioned housing and the aforementioned arm; The first pulley is adjacent to the aforementioned frame; The second pulley is adjacent to the aforementioned end of the housing; and The tensioning pulley is located between the first pulley and the other end of the cable. The aforementioned cable is secured between one end and the other end by the tensioning wheel, the first pulley, and the second pulley. The tensioning pulley pulls the cable from one end toward the other end.

9. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A folding bracket, which includes the aforementioned housing and the aforementioned arm; as well as The cover is attached to the fixing part in a manner that allows it to move in a direction approaching or away from the fixing part. The aforementioned cover either covers the steering wheel and the folding bracket that are attached to the aforementioned fixing part, or exposes the steering wheel and the aforementioned folding bracket to the outside.

10. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Also includes: The motor is mounted on the aforementioned fixed part; A small gear, which is fixed to the rotating shaft of the aforementioned motor; as well as A rack is formed at the bottom of the cover, extends along the direction of movement of the cover, and meshes with the pinion.

11. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned arm includes: A first arm portion, which forms the first part of the aforementioned arm portion; and The second arm, which forms the second part of the aforementioned arm, is to which the steering wheel is attached. The second arm is rotatably attached to the first arm in a manner that allows it to rotate about the length axis of the arm.

12. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 11, wherein, Also includes: A motor, which is installed inside the first arm, provides power to the second arm; The gear is located inside the second arm and is fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor. as well as A rack is formed on the inner surface of the second arm and meshes with the gear.

13. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned steering wheel includes: case; The first rim is rotatably attached to the first side of the aforementioned housing; A second rim, which is rotatably attached to a second side of the aforementioned housing, the second side being opposite to the first side; and A rotating module, installed inside the aforementioned housing, causes the first rim and the second rim to rotate in opposite directions.

14. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned steering wheel includes: case; The rim is attached to the side of the aforementioned housing; A fixing plate, which faces the aforementioned housing and is fixed to the aforementioned arm; An elastic member is located on one side of the fixing plate facing the housing; A rotating plate, located between the aforementioned housing and the aforementioned fixed plate, is fixed to the aforementioned housing and rotatably coupled to the aforementioned fixed plate; and The damper, which is mounted on the aforementioned housing, The aforementioned rotating plate includes: A reinforcing rib is formed on the side of the rotating plate facing the housing, and moves closer to or further away from the elastic member as the rotating plate rotates. The damper comes into contact with the reinforcing rib of the rotating plate, which is rotated by the restoring force of the elastic member.

15. A vehicle comprising a steering wheel assembly as claimed in claim 1 and a plurality of wheels mounted on the aforementioned frame of the steering wheel assembly.

Images